Lt. Colonel Robert P. Winchester

Lovingly known as Bob, Lt. Colonel Robert P. Winchester of Columbus, Ohio, was born January 5, 1933, and passed peacefully at age 93 on Thursday, February 19, 2026, with his family by his side. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years: Betty J. (Anderson) Winchester; his children: Virginia Ja'Nel (Tod) Siefert, Chris (the late Jennifer Flynn) Winchester, and Annette (Michael) Gibson; grandchildren: Samantha (Michael Brennan) Siefert, Robert Siefert, Austin (Shelby) Gibson, Stacy (Greg) Hickey, and Sarah (Stephanie) Hanson; great-grandchildren: Lucy Gibson, Alexandra Brennan, and Eleanor Hickey; brother: Ronald Winchester, and a wealth of cherished relatives and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents: Harry and Annette Winchester; his brother: Harry (Maureen) Winchester; and his nephew: Marine Lt. Ronald Winchester.

Bob was born in Queens, New York. He graduated in 1955 from Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy with a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering with a focus on Petroleum Engineering. For 37 years, Bob worked as an engineer for Columbia Gas of Ohio designing pipelines. Upon retirement, he embarked on his hobby-job of 25 years at Sears Hardware. Bob’s 38 years of military service included 6 months active duty in Washington, D.C., Army Reserves, and teaching at Fort Hayes, retiring as Lt. Colonel.

The first and foremost love to Bob was his wife, Betty. His family and friends meant the world to him and he could commonly be found supporting his grandchildren in their endeavors. He was a lifetime American Red Cross Blood donor. Bob championed values of organization, faith, creative thinking, and perseverance; readily listening and offering his perspective. Bob enjoyed telling jokes, square dancing, playing bridge, playing tennis, participating in church activities, watching Ohio State football games, and sharing and eating Hershey’s Kisses and Oreo cookies.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Jay Armstrong Endowment for Youth Ministry at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Calling hours will be at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Rd. on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. The family will welcome friends at his Celebration of Life at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2070 Ridgecliff Rd. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10 a.m. Interment to follow at Union Cemetery.

Bob wanted everyone to know: "When all else fails, eat ice cream!”